It looks like World War Three is on hold … for now.
The White House has confirmed that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US president Donald Trump will meet for the first time in May.
A delegation from South Korea announced the news outside the White House on Thursday after they briefed the Trump administration on their latest talks with the rogue nation and hand-delivered a letter from North Korea, inviting the president to meet Kim.
Speaking at the White House on Thursday evening, South Korean official Chung Eui-Yong said the North Korean leader was “eager” to meet with Trump.
“President Donald Trump appreciated this briefing and said that he would meet Kim Jong Un by May,” he said. “I explained to President Trump that his leadership and his maximum pressure policy, together with international solidarity, brought us to this juncture,” Chung told reporters at the White House.
He also assured reporters the North Korean leader wouldn’t test any more missiles until the pair had met.
“Kim pledged that North Korea will refrain from any further nuclear or missile tests,” he said. “The Republic of Korea, along with the United States, Japan, and our many partners around the world remain fully and resolutely committed to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Along with President Trump, we are optimistic about continuing a diplomatic process to test the possibility of a peaceful resolution.”
LIVE: South Korean official makes announcement after letter from North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un is delivered to the White House. https://t.co/j22SqkRhBS https://t.co/ksKneq0mzh
— NBC News (@NBCNews) March 9, 2018
He added that all countries involved didn’t want to repeat mistakes of the past. “The Republic of Korea, the United States, and our partners stand together in insisting that we not repeat the mistakes of the past, and that the pressure will continue until North Korea matches its words with concrete actions,” he said.
Despite regularly taunting North Korea on Twitter, Trump previously said he was open to talks with the rogue leader in person. The Trump administration has been firm in its demand that North Korea take steps towards denuclearisation before any talks occur.
Just heard Foreign Minister of North Korea speak at U.N. If he echoes thoughts of Little Rocket Man, they won't be around much longer!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017
Trump has taken to Twitter to confirm that the meeting is happening, although it is not yet known where the leaders will meet. It comes after Jong Un sent his sister to the Winter Olympics in South Korea to extend an invitation to South Korean president, Moon Jae-in to meet. “Kim Jong Un talked about denuclearization with the South Korean Representatives, not just a freeze,” he said on Twitter. “Also, no missile testing by North Korea during this period of time. Great progress being made but sanctions will remain until an agreement is reached. Meeting being planned!”
Kim Jong Un talked about denuclearization with the South Korean Representatives, not just a freeze. Also, no missile testing by North Korea during this period of time. Great progress being made but sanctions will remain until an agreement is reached. Meeting being planned!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 9, 2018
Last year, North Korea fired missiles that they said was capable of reaching the United States. They are also believed to have tested a hydrogen bomb that could cause chaos around the world.